Specie Spotlight: Hickory

Ferche Millwork realizes that there are a variety of options to choose from when it comes to choosing a wood species for your home. With the large selection, and differences between each species, it can be an overwhelming process. Ferche Millwork is here to take the difficulty out of the decision making process. Ferche believes educating and informing consumers about wood is important and makes choosing the perfect wood easier, as each wood species is unique and can create a completely different feel in your home.

One option when it comes to choosing a species for your home is hickory. The hickories are split into two different groups: true hickories and pecan hickories (fruit bearing). The wood is virtually the same for both, and they are usually sold together. The species grows in the Eastern U.S., and many are unaware that hickories grow quite slowly; it is not unusual for a tree to take 200 years to mature. Another unique characteristic of hickory is it is the heaviest and hardest of the hardwood options. This means the species is very hard, stiff, and dense, making it a great and durable option for furniture, cabinetry, flooring, and paneling.

When it comes to the home, hickory is a popular hardwood for creating a rustic style. The main characteristic about this species from a visual standpoint is the wide range of color found within each piece and from piece to piece. Because of this, many choose to finish the wood in a clear coat. By doing this, the color is greatly emphasized and brought to life.

With its tough and durable nature, choosing to use hickory in your home allows you to be confident the species will last a lifetime. Hickory is a wood to take pride in with the long growing process, and it is an option for those looking to create a relaxed, warm, and countrified home. 

Ferche Millwork – Your “Green” Manufacturer

Environmentalism isn’t new; it’s been around for hundreds of years. Recently, however, going “green” has become more important than ever. Ferche Millwork knows this, and can proudly say that it has a history of implementing “green” processes that greatly reduce waste and sustain valuable natural resources.

Ferche Millwork has always been an environmentally conscious company. The company’s proactive approach to recycling wood byproducts for fueling boilers to heat kilns and buildings was recognized in 1985 when Ferche Millwork received a National Award for Energy Innovation. The process that Ferche was awarded for included using sawdust and shavings from Ferche's manufacturing facilities and burning them to produce steam to power the Minnesota kilns and heat the buildings. Excess residues were sold into agricultural and fuel markets resulting in no waste. This was one of the first times Ferche was recognized for its green approach, and the company continues this process today.

Another milestone for Ferche came in 2003 when the company officially adopted another environmentally friendly process when it implemented the “lean” approach to manufacturing. The idea behind this manufacturing philosophy is to supply goods and services with minimal waste, where wastes in production are reduced through continuous improvements of the production processes. Using lean manufacturing is a way to consistently implement processes that benefit the environment, and a way to always try to improve current work methods.

With many environmentally conscious methods in place, Ferche Millwork truly cares about the green movement. In 2009, the company was awarded Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) Chain of Custody Certification by Scientific Certification Systems (SCS). This is a great accomplishment for the company because while many certification systems guarantee resources are responsibly managed, FSC is the only system currently accepted under the United States Green Building Council’s LEED program.

Ferche Millwork is proud to say that it is a company that works to consistently satisfy all customers through custom capabilities, rapid turnaround and on-time delivery, and an exceptional overall value while also using processes that don’t harm the environment. Going “green” may be of new importance today, but Ferche Millwork has always been ahead of the game.

Architectural Series Spotlight: Southwestern

Over the past four months, Ferche Millwork has introduced and highlighted the new and unique moulding styles of our Architectural Series. This week we are showcasing the sixth and final moulding family of the series: Southwestern.

Southwestern design is influenced by the Native American and Mexican cultures, and is defined by organic design elements infused with bright colors and geometric patterns. If this style appeals to you, incorporating Ferche’s Southwestern style mouldings might be the perfect way to spice up your home.

To achieve a Southwestern feel, keep in mind the following elements:

• Stone floors
• Textured walls
•  Exposed beams and raw wood
• Brightly colored woven accents
•  Hand-painted tiles
•  Pottery

From stain colors, to design, to wood species- Ferche will work with you to create and customize the perfect mouldings for you and your home. Exploring the possibilities is achievable in three simple steps:

1. Visit your local lumber retailer.

2. Explain you would like the family of moldings that coordinate with the “Southwestern” style in Ferche’s Architectural Series.

3. You’re done!

Here’s a closer look at the different mouldings within the Southwestern family. Keep in mind that although they are showcased in painted poplar, you have the option of choosing other wood species.

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Rail

Casing

Crown

Architectural Series Spotlight: Rustic

Ferche Millwork realizes the importance of being able to make the vision for your home come to life. Creating the vision can often be the hardest part, so Ferche offers a wide variety of mouldings to fit every style. Recently we created the Architectural Series, a professionally designed family of mouldings that coordinate with six distinct styles of décor. Last week, our blog featured the ‘Arts & Crafts’ family of mouldings. This week we turn the spotlight to the fifth group of mouldings in the Architectural Series: Rustic. 

Rustic architecture brings the outdoors into your home. Inspired by nature, this style offers a warm, comforting feel. The great news about rustic architecture is that it’s versatile and works well with other styles. So if you’re not sure you want to turn the feel of your entire home into a Rocky Mountain getaway, it’s okay to start with one or two rooms.

To enhance the rustic feel of your home, pair a Rustic Ferche moulding with:

• Exposed beams
• Stone accents
• Fireplace
• Pops of earthy color

With some finishing touches, you can easily make Rustic architecture feel rugged, or charming. To achieve a more rugged feel, furnish with rich colors and incorporate hints of leather, and metals such as cast iron.

For a more charming feel, incorporate the shabby chic style with lighter colors, and dainty patterns. Whatever look or feel you are going for, don’t be afraid to mix and match. The versatility of Rustic architecture lends itself to near-endless possibilities.

While creating that perfect vision can be challenging, finding the perfect mouldings for your home should not be. We’ve made the process of finding our mouldings easy, simply follow these 3 steps:

1. Visit your local lumber retailer.
2. Explain you would like the family of moldings that coordinate with the “Rustic” style in Ferche’s Architectural Series.
3. You’re done!

Here’s a preview of Ferche’s Rustic mouldings displayed in a natural knotty alder wood, keep in mind other types of wood species can be selected:

Rail:

 Base:

 Casings:

 Crown:

Architectural Series Spotlight: Arts & Crafts

Alright homeowners. We all know the overwhelming feel that can come when looking at remodeling a room in your house. What design should you try to achieve? After all, there are so many! If you see the Victorian style and think it’s too excessive, you might opt for the more modern route that evokes simplicity. But what about something in the middle of the spectrum? This is where ‘Arts & Crafts’ architecture comes into play.

This type of architecture refers to a type of design that seeks to create a look like that of the pre-industrial, handmade society. It melds simple design with a handcrafted look. Pictures below display the simple, square edges that are like that of the modern design, but wait! Before the mouldings are done, handcrafted details are implemented to add that “just right” amount of charm and embellishment.

If the Arts & Crafts style of décor sounds like it fits your decorating style, starting the remodel process just became a lot easier. First, use the architect approved set of mouldings for this style in Ferche’s Architectural Series as a base for your home. Here is how you can go about finding these mouldings:

1. Visit your local lumber retailer.
2. Explain you would like the family of moldings that coordinate with the “Arts & Crafts” style in Ferche’s Architectural Series.
3. You’re done!

To spread the “Arts & Crafts” architecture throughout your entire home, remember these key elements:

· Natural materials throughout the home
· Built-in furniture and light fixtures
· Fireplace
· Porches
· Low-pitched roofs
· Exposed beams
· Open floor plan

If you are still not sure if this style is for you, take a look at the below sample of ‘Arts & Crafts’ mouldings that can easily be integrated into an Arts & Crafts style home. Keep in mind different wood species can be used, the sample below is displayed in Natural Cherry:

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Rail

Crown

Casing

Architectural Series Spotlight: Modern

Recently, Ferche Millwork has introduced the Architectural Series, a professionally designed family of mouldings that coordinate with six distinct styles of décor for the home. We now invite you to learn about the third style in this product line: Modern design!

The modern style is often described as clean with simple lines. It strives to avoid excess in design that is apparent in other styles. Our modern mouldings promote simplicity, serenity, and a sense of cleanliness to your home.

If you feel that this look is what you wish to create in your home, do not forget about the design pairings that will help enhance your modern look. This means remembering simplicity in every aspect of the room. Industrial materials, open floor plans, and clean-lined furniture will complete this look.

But simplicity does not just lie in the style itself – remember that Ferche Millwork has made the process of finding the moldings easier. Follow these steps and you will be set:

1. Visit your local lumber retailer.
2. Explain you would like the family of moldings that coordinate with the “Modern” style in Ferche’s Architectural Series.
3. You’re done!

If you are not convinced yet, take a look at the family of modern mouldings that have been created to be paired with a modern home:

Rail

Base

Crown

Casing

Architectural Series Spotlight: Victorian

 Ferche Millwork is proud to announce that the Architectural Series can now be viewed on our website! The Architectural Series was designed as an effort to help homeowners find the perfect mouldings for their home. Ferche's consulting architect designed six families of mouldings that coordinate with six different styles of décor. Homeowners simply need to decide what their decorating style is and Ferche has taken care of the rest!

In the most recent Ferche blog, we went into detail about the Architectural Series’ first style, Art Deco design. This week’s spotlight is on the second style, Victorian design!

Much like Colonial, Victorian design encompasses many different sub-styles. Shown here is painted poplar moulding. Signature characteristics of this style include liberal application of decoration, intricate detail, vibrant colors and grand interiors. Victorian architecture is often adored for its majestic manner.

Here is a look at the pre-selected family of mouldings from the Victorian design. Like stated before, they are displayed in painted poplar moulding- but keep in mind they can be tailored to fit your needs:

Rail

Crown

Casing

Base

Does the Victorian design fit your decorating style?